Precipice

A Novel

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Samuel West

“Robert Harris is, simply put, masterful.”—Karin Slaughter

A spellbinding novel of passion, intrigue, and betrayal set in England in the months leading to the Great War from the bestselling author of Act of Oblivion, Fatherland, The Ghostwriter, and Conclave.

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.

In London, twenty-six-year-old Venetia Stanley—aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless—is part of a fast group of upper-crust bohemians and socialites known as “The Coterie.” She’s also engaged in a clandestine love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state.

As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer with Scotland Yard is assigned to investigate a leak of top-secret documents. Suddenly, what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that could topple the British government—and will alter the course of political history.

An unrivaled master of seamlessly weaving fact and fiction, Precipice is another electrifying thriller from the brilliant imagination of Robert Harris.

Understanding History

I have read several nonfiction history books which address the events leading toward WWI. Precipice provides the most memorable as it conveys not just dates, locations and historic characters but feelings and emotions. “The Prime”,Asquith, has never lodged in my memory. Now he will, but not just his name but the emotional stresses of world events and personal conundrums. Thank you Mr. Harris.

Eloquent storyteller

Such a fine writer. Abundance of historical detail, maybe too much for some, but I felt transported into a very consequential moment in time through the private torments of these few characters.

Publishing of little known histor.

Always enjoy Robert Harris’s historical research. Also his writing ability and I could not know but I suspect almost all of his review’s have a tone similar to mine.
T

Fascinating story, superbly told

So happy to have discovered Robert Harris, who is perhaps better known in the UK than here in the US. Plunged into Precipice right on the heels of listening to Munich, which was also terrific. But I found Precipice even more compelling. I like Harris’ style — despite his popular appeal, he’s no hack, nor is his writing flashy or self-conscious. In fact, I got so caught up in the characters (all real life people in this case) and their story (based on actual events) I almost forgot I was listening to a work of at least semi fiction. The author’s command of history, as well as character and dialogue, is apparent. And the reader Samuel West was equally impressive. Ready for more of both.

outstanding in every way

First, this reading was superb. I am admirer of Samual West an actor in many different roles, brilliant as an admirable character and equally good as a despicable one.
The story was as well written as all Harris' books and has the added value of being historically accurate. It is a wonderful insight into a terrible period of British history.